Treloar Bar & Grill
-  + I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile do...
Discussion started 09/19/2004 09:57 PM by Paul Marlin - 5 replies (last reply by R, Dintelman at 09/29/2006 12:26 AM)Paul Marlin from Quincy, IL on 09/19/2004 09:57 PM
I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile down the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed and the sign said it does not open until 4:00pm Tueseday throught Friday.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/19/2004 11:32 PM
Thank you for posting the comments about discrepancies you found in the hours of businesses along the trail. For most of those, I had gotten the hours back in May. Some of these places really drive me nuts with how they change their hours around - some change by the season, but others just seem to change their hours on a whim. I appreciate you passing along the correct info, so I can update the website. I hope you enjoyed your trip, other than the unexpected CLOSED signs you encountered!
notverygoodbutslow on 10/22/2005 07:39 AM
Stopped at the bar and grill on 10/21/05. Nice people and good food. There may be nicer places on the trail, but after 16 cold and wet miles, I was happy the Treloar Bar and Grill was there and open.
Ellen from Maine on 01/22/2006 02:35 PM
We went to the Trelor Bar and Grill and had one of the best times of our time on the trail. The hostess (owner) was great, the food was good ol' grill food that filled our stomachs and did not empty our wallet and the Root Beer floats (root beer schnapps and beer) were a hit of the evening. Just don't come in with an attitude. These were thee greatest peole we met...
I can't wait to see them again and have another steak..
Marge & MIke from Pacific, MO on 06/05/2006 08:02 AM
We stopped there after a beautiful ride to and from McKindrick. The food was excellent. We sat in the back room where it wasn't so smokey.
R, Dintelman from Steeleville Il. on 09/29/2006 12:26 AM
Stopped in on 10/26/06 and had a couple of beers. I can't remember the young lady’s name working the bar but she was really nice. She was able to tell us a lot about the bar and the local area. Good place for a beer and sandwich.
Mount Pleasant Winery (Augusta)
-  + I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri'...
Discussion started 09/27/2006 01:15 PM by Gary Petersen - 0 repliesGary Petersen from Madision, Alabama on 09/27/2006 01:15 PM
I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.
Gary Petersen from Madision, Alabama on 09/27/2006 01:15 PM
I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.
hiking the trail
-  + I was wondering has anyone out there hiked the trail all the way? If you have how long did it take and how did it go? Details would be great. Thank you. Feel free to email me your response.
Discussion started 09/11/2006 08:38 AM by katy - 4 replies (last reply by GC at 09/27/2006 12:24 PM)katy from tulsa on 09/11/2006 08:38 AM
I was wondering has anyone out there hiked the trail all the way? If you have how long did it take and how did it go? Details would be great. Thank you. Feel free to email me your response.
gc from Columbia on 09/11/2006 03:24 PM
I have just finished my trail expedition. I was planning to go end to end, and started in Clinton on the Saturday before Labor Day. Unfortunately, my feet gave out at McKittrick -- Too many blisters. I am relatively new to long-distance hiking, and really need to invest in a better pair of shoes and figure out ways to reduce the weight of my backpack. It CAN be done, though. I ended up logging up about 160 miles with 60 left to go before I had to stop. I had a great time, and met some wonderfull people. I am still a little chagrined about having to stop, but I plan to return and finish the trail when my feet heal up and I can arrange the time to do it.
My best suggestion would be to make sure you have some sort of support person/crew. My mistake was in trying to carry too much on my back, hence my feet crapping out. I will be posting more on this in a while, and have been writing a blog, which I will add a link to a little later.
You should definitely go for it. It is something I will never forget!
Ray (webmaster) on 09/26/2006 08:35 AM
I've added a link to GC's blog at the top of
this page, where you can read about his 160 mile hike along the Katy Trail. It's great reading!
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/27/2006 10:18 AM
GC,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the blog about your trip. It truly captured the flavor of the trail….walking or riding. I’m certain your pace let you enjoy many sites along the way that riders just zoom past on their way to somewhere.
We are great appreciators of nature and are most often passed while riding the trail. On our three day ride over Labor Day weekend, we enjoyed discovering a Buckeye tree near Hartsburg and Jack in the Pulpit in its brilliant fall color near Rhineland. On our annual family fall ride at Rocheport, we all take our turns predicting the severity of the winter by cutting open Persimmons that have fallen on the trail.
For us, a slow pace uncovers the essence of the trail. It allows the human species to connect, or reconnect, with the many wonders of nature. That for us is why the organization so aptly named, The Department of Natural Resources, has worked to establish and maintain the Katy. And so, I cringe at the mention of riders bringing business cards to pass out along the way as they ride in hopes of career discoveries while out networking.
I appreciate your pace and both commend and congratulate you!
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/27/2006 12:24 PM
Trek,
Thanks for your comments. I agree, I like the slower pace and I cringe when I hear cyclists ask questions like "Should I do the trail in three days or two?" While I respect their ability to pull something like that off, I also feel like they are missing so much of what the trail has to offer.
On the blog front, I need to do some updates. I am planning on knocking off the last 60 miles of the trail at some point in the not too distant future, plus, I want to post some more post walk thoughts. So stay tuned!
Thanks again for your note.
St. Charles Parking Question???
-  + I need some advice on where to park in St. Charles long term. I want to ride my bike to downtown St Louis from St. Charles, take the Amtrak to Sedalia, then bike(over three days)back to St. Charles. ...
Discussion started 09/26/2006 06:59 PM by Paulie - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/27/2006 08:49 AM)Paulie from Knoxville TN on 09/26/2006 06:59 PM
I need some advice on where to park in St. Charles long term. I want to ride my bike to downtown St Louis from St. Charles, take the Amtrak to Sedalia, then bike(over three days)back to St. Charles. I figure by the time I get to the end of the Katy the last thing I want to do is fight traffic back to my car.
Thanks, Paulie
Wayne from OH on 09/26/2006 08:13 PM
I left mine for in the lot just to the right on the boathouse lot. It would be on the way to the casino there is a lighted lot right by the trail. It was there for six days without issue.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/27/2006 08:49 AM
Any problems doing this....
-  + We wil be spending the night in Boonville at the Comfort Inn. The casino shuttle does pick up guests and take them to the casino/casino buffet. Would it be awful if we took the shuttle to the casino...
Discussion started 09/26/2006 08:21 PM - 2 replies (last reply by Psychlist at 09/26/2006 09:51 PM)Anonymous on 09/26/2006 08:21 PM
We wil be spending the night in Boonville at the Comfort Inn. The casino shuttle does pick up guests and take them to the casino/casino buffet. Would it be awful if we took the shuttle to the casino but then walked up to Main St to a different restaurant?
Wayne from OH on 09/26/2006 09:47 PM
It is your conscience, we chose not to take advantage of it. There are taxies that will take care of your needs. The lady behind the desk offered to allow us to ride into town with her husband then find our own way back.
Expect to pay a "bicycle fee" at this hotel.
Psychlist from St Louis on 09/26/2006 09:51 PM
If you read through this forum, you'll see LOTS of bad reviews of Capri's buffet, and nobody has much good to say about it. Take the shuttle bus, eat at a GOOD restaurant, and drop a few bucks into Capri's slot machines if you feel guilty.
Stoneridge Vineyard Farm & Inn (Augusta)
-  + Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B...
Discussion started 09/26/2006 02:56 PM by Rob H. - 0 repliesRob H. from Effinham IL on 09/26/2006 02:56 PM
Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)
Rob H. from Effinham IL on 09/26/2006 02:56 PM
Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)
Connection to Trans-Am
-  + I would like some local input on possible connections to the Trans-America trail.
Specifically, I was planning on starting in Springfield, and heading north on the bike trail that runs to Willa...
Discussion started 09/25/2006 11:24 AM by Rick - 3 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/26/2006 01:41 PM)Rick from Wichita on 09/25/2006 11:24 AM
I would like some local input on possible connections to the Trans-America trail.
Specifically, I was planning on starting in Springfield, and heading north on the bike trail that runs to Willard, then finding a way to connect to 13 highway to Clinton. I am unsure of traffic and highway conditions. Is this the best route north?
After riding the KATY, I want to find a route south to connect with the Trans-America trail. How about Highway 61 south out of St. Louis? This would take me to St. Mary where the Trans-Am passes by.
Thanks for your help
J&K from Drexel MO on 09/25/2006 02:32 PM
We rode on the Frisco Highline Trail 9-18-06 from Bolivar to where the bridge is out. Its to bad the bridge is not yet repaired, you could get all the way to Bolivar on rails/trail. We did notice how nice the shoulder is on most of hwy.13. With the exception of about 12 miles between Humansville and Collins, it is now all four lane highway. The shoulder did look a little rough on some sections where the north bound lanes are the old highway. There was also some construction on one of the bridges over Truman Lake, that would be the tricky part. Good luck and hope this helped.
Rick from Wichita on 09/25/2006 06:33 PM
Thanks for the rapid responce, J+K...
Our trip will be next year, so I hope the bridge will be repaired by then. I appriciate the local knowledge, and I will probably take the route you suggest.
Does anyone from the St. Louis side have any info on a southern route from KATY? Looking at my map it seems like highway 61 will connect to Trans-Am in St. Mary. Also, highway 21 near Pilot Knob. Would one of these routes be the best one?? Any other ideas??
Thanks.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/26/2006 01:41 PM
Rick, There are a few established routes to take you south from the St Louis area. Try the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), which parallels the river either north or south from St Louis, as you might guess by the name. the MRT has routes on both the Missouri side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-mo.php#segment1) and Illinois side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-il.php). Another option is Adventure Cycling's Great Rivers route (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/greatrivers.cfm?pg=detail&s=1), which appears to cross the Katy Trail somewhere around Marthasville.
I can't vouch for the quality of any of the above routes, but presumably they have been well tested out.
Good luck and enjoy your tour!
J&K, Speaking of the Frisco Highline Trail, I understand that bridge was burned down by vandals - it's a $%#@ shame.
Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop (Rocheport)
-  + These people are wonderful. They helped me with a bike I was sold from Bike America - Trailside sold the same bike for less than Bike America and it didn't fit my body at all, so it was very uncomfort...
Discussion started 09/26/2006 12:34 PM by Sharon - 0 repliesSharon on 09/26/2006 12:34 PM
These people are wonderful. They helped me with a bike I was sold from Bike America - Trailside sold the same bike for less than Bike America and it didn't fit my body at all, so it was very uncomfortable. Bike America couldn't have cared less when I tried to talk to them about it....
Just as I was ready to give up on biking, the mgr., Andy, introduced me to a recumbent bike and I loved it. I ended up buying my recumbent from them and am so glad I did! The staff is very, very knowledgeable and helpful. They're always friendly and helpful. All my family's future bikes will come from Trailside.
The food in the cafe is very good too. It's one of the places you must stop at along the trail - you'll be glad you did.
Sharon on 09/26/2006 12:34 PM
These people are wonderful. They helped me with a bike I was sold from Bike America - Trailside sold the same bike for less than Bike America and it didn't fit my body at all, so it was very uncomfortable. Bike America couldn't have cared less when I tried to talk to them about it....
Just as I was ready to give up on biking, the mgr., Andy, introduced me to a recumbent bike and I loved it. I ended up buying my recumbent from them and am so glad I did! The staff is very, very knowledgeable and helpful. They're always friendly and helpful. All my family's future bikes will come from Trailside.
The food in the cafe is very good too. It's one of the places you must stop at along the trail - you'll be glad you did.
Cycling
-  + My wife and I rode the trail first week of September. One of our favorite all-time tours. Theindependenttourist.com did a great job for us lining it all out, reservations, etc. 25 - 28 mm tires pro...
Discussion started 09/26/2006 12:29 PM by Jerry - 0 repliesJerry from Longview, Texas on 09/26/2006 12:29 PM
My wife and I rode the trail first week of September. One of our favorite all-time tours. Theindependenttourist.com did a great job for us lining it all out, reservations, etc. 25 - 28 mm tires prove to be perfect. We'll be back. "J"
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Cycling
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=1155&tonly=1
best eats
-  + What do you recommend for nice dinner places for a bus trip - we will be staying in Booville, Hartsburg, and Herman.
Discussion started 09/25/2006 06:53 PM by anne - 3 replies (last reply by Jerry at 09/26/2006 12:26 PM)anne from Wichita on 09/25/2006 06:53 PM
What do you recommend for nice dinner places for a bus trip - we will be staying in Booville, Hartsburg, and Herman.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/25/2006 09:20 PM
From Boonville.....I'd have the driver take us to Rocheport to visit the bistro at the Les Bourgeois Winery. Fantastic view, great food, and good wine....and it is only a few miles drive (12 to 14 or so).
In Hartsburg, the local flavor of Dotties would be at the top of the list. Just darn good food in a friendly small town atmosphere.
In Hermann I'd toss a coin for Simon's on the Waterfront or the Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery. Both have very good food. The tour and tasting at Stone Hill is worth the stop and its right next door to the restaurant.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/26/2006 07:08 AM
In Boonville, It would be Glenn's handsdown. The bistro in Rocheport is great, too, but truth be told, it was inspired originally by Glenn's when that restaurant was in Columbia.
In Hartsburg, Dotties is great and is just about the only game in town.
In Hermann, I agree, Simon's or the Vintage, but if you are talking about going to wineries, I would have to add Adam Puchta
Jerry from Longview, Texas on 09/26/2006 12:26 PM
Just cycled the trail --- no question --- in Boonville -- Napoli. In Hartsburg, Dottie's. In Hermann -- do wine and cheese at the Hermannhof right downtown. If you need more dinner, try the Stonehill German restaurant at the winery. Nice. "J"
Walking the Katy Trail
-  + In mid- to late October, I'd like to walk from St. Charles to about Pilot Grove, carrying very little--just walking and looking. I'm planning to make no plans, so I'd just find places to eat or to bu...
Discussion started 09/25/2006 08:53 PM by glw - 1 reply (last reply by GC at 09/26/2006 07:26 AM)glw from Morro Bay, CA on 09/25/2006 08:53 PM
In mid- to late October, I'd like to walk from St. Charles to about Pilot Grove, carrying very little--just walking and looking. I'm planning to make no plans, so I'd just find places to eat or to buy trail food or to sleep (not camp) as I meander along. Am I letting myself in for trouble? georgekastner@hotmail.com
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/26/2006 07:26 AM
Glw,
Good for you! I just finished walking from Clinton to McKittrick -- the same distance from St. Charles to Pilot Grove -- earlier this month.
I hate to tell you, but planning is important.
One thing you will run into is the need for consistent water. Lots of the trailheads don't have water and you have to either get it from one of the stores or bars along the trail. The problem with that can be that these stores aren't always open. The same with food. As for lodging, during October weekends, everything is pretty well booked in the Hermann area, I imagine. Once you leave the St. Charles area, the small town businesses keep somewhat irregular hours, especially during weekdays.
One way to get around this is to have a support crew. Will you have someone following you in a car or meeting you every few days? I know I am planning to do the last stretch of the trail in another month or two, and that is my strategy.
I am not trying to be a downer, and I had a ball during my walk, but you HAVE to do some planning. While the Katy is not in the middle of raw wilderness, you can't really just set out on foot and expect lots of options for food, water and lodging.
Having said all of that, have a great walk!
Huntsdale/John Sam Williamson
-  + I'm looking at the June 1990 National Geographic which features a Greenways "Path to the Future" article. A photo of J S W'mson is included. He is protesting the proposed Katy Trail with the quote, ...
Discussion started 09/25/2006 07:13 PM by Airin - 0 repliesAirin from Madisonville, KY on 09/25/2006 07:13 PM
I'm looking at the June 1990 National Geographic which features a Greenways "Path to the Future" article. A photo of J S W'mson is included. He is protesting the proposed Katy Trail with the quote, "Recreation shouldn't be at the expense of the landowner. This is where we make our living; this is our home." (2 miles of the KATY railroad bisects the family farm). Is this the same W'mson of the famed burr oak? When did he change his mind and how did the transformation come about?
I'm curious because here in Kentucky we have a few RTT routes, but nothing remotely resembling the near border to border KATY. In Western KY we missed out on acquiring the land when the railroad disbanded, but it went into the private sector. Now that we are organized, we will be trying to win over landowner's minds...a tough task ahead. i would appreciate any comments.
I rode the KATY last year and was wowed...great camping, funky b&b, interesting people and wild times.
Hats off
-  + to the state of Missouri and it's tax payers. The Katy Trail is a State Park to be proud of. My wife and I finished our West to East trip on Sunday afternoon. Our experience was wonderful, we also att...
Discussion started 09/05/2006 08:51 PM by Wayne aka Flint - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/25/2006 08:28 AM)Wayne aka Flint from OH on 09/05/2006 08:51 PM
to the state of Missouri and it's tax payers. The Katy Trail is a State Park to be proud of. My wife and I finished our West to East trip on Sunday afternoon. Our experience was wonderful, we also attempted to do our part to support the local economy :-) . There were definately parts of the trail that were more "chamber of Commerce" than others but overall the trail was in fantastic shape. Though not all trailheads provide water we found 99% of them to be clean and well cared for. The info boards are also a great way to learn about the history of the trail and area. This site was also a great aid in planning the trip and has spoiled me as far as trip planning goes.
Thanks again to the DNR and the webmaster for a wonderful vacation.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/07/2006 08:39 PM
I don't mind that some of my tax dollars go to the DNR or the Missouri Department of Conservation one little bit! We use the trail every chance we get and are proud that it is there for us and our neighbors to use.
No....it's not a perfect world or a perfect trail though. Labor Day weekend there was some nice cracks, fault lines or something west of McKittrick. They weren't there earlier in the summer and probably won't be there forever. Other parts of the trail are very pristine. The DNR, in my book, does a very good job for the miles of trail that they maintain.
Ray does a fantastic job with this website too. It is literally a wealth of information about the Katy. Maybe you've thought of branching out with sites like this for other trails Ray??
Ray (webmaster) on 09/07/2006 10:18 PM
I agree - kudos to the DNR for the fantastic job they do in running the Katy Trail. It's a real treasure for Missouri.
Thank you for the compliments on the website. To answer your question, Trek Biker - I run two other websites, but BikeKatyTrail is definitely the biggie.
I also run BikeGrantsTrail.com, which covers Grant's Trail in suburban St Louis. This paved rail-trail goes past many interesting sights such as the Budweiser Clydesdale barns and pastures, Grant's Farm animal park (free beer samples from Anheuser Busch!), President Ulysses Grant's home, a couple of old cemeteries, and more... all in less than 8 miles. It's a much simpler website than BikeKatyTrail, for a much smaller (but busier) trail.
I also really like Sanibel Island, Florida, so I built SanibelTrails.com to cover the 25 miles of bike trails on this little island. The island is networked with bike paths, making two wheels the best way to get around bewteen the beaches, hotels, and attractions. It's got to be one of the most bike-friendly islands in the country.
Between these three websites, I've got my hands pretty full. But if anyone knows of any other trails that would be a perfect candidate for a fresh new website, drop me a line.
Thanks for asking!
Jim from St. Thomas on 09/08/2006 08:37 AM
Ray, I just checked out your Sanibel site.....it's great. My wife and I have been going to Captiva for years and have always been impressed with the Sanibel bike trails. I've heard talk recently of extending the trail up through Captiva.
condean from Council Bluffs IA on 09/18/2006 09:15 PM
i agree, this is a great website!!
It was a great tool, and it made I was able to gain enough info to convince my hubby to to the trip. He loved it as much as me... We Will Be Back!!!!!!
Anonymous on 09/25/2006 08:28 AM
I agree, what a great trail and this website is extremely helpful.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
-  + Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. ...
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:21 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:21 PM
Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. Located right next to trail.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:21 PM
Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. Located right next to trail.
Matson Station (Matson)
-  + Went by on a Saturday morning. Only had soda vending machine & bike pump outside. Was hoping to find someone to get change, but was out of luck.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:19 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:19 PM
Went by on a Saturday morning. Only had soda vending machine & bike pump outside. Was hoping to find someone to get change, but was out of luck.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:19 PM
Went by on a Saturday morning. Only had soda vending machine & bike pump outside. Was hoping to find someone to get change, but was out of luck.
Scenic Cycles (Marthasville)
-  + Stopped by on a Saturday morning only to discover store was closed. Found out in the next town that store closed down. I was looking forward to the New Orleans Snowball.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:13 PM by JD - 1 reply (last reply by JD at 09/24/2006 08:15 PM)JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:13 PM
Stopped by on a Saturday morning only to discover store was closed. Found out in the next town that store closed down. I was looking forward to the New Orleans Snowball.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:13 PM
Stopped by on a Saturday morning only to discover store was closed. Found out in the next town that store closed down. I was looking forward to the New Orleans Snowball.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:15 PM
Sorry, got this place mixed up with Augusta Bicycle. Scenic Cycles appears to still be in business, but only on the weekend.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:15 PM
Sorry, got this place mixed up with Augusta Bicycle. Scenic Cycles appears to still be in business, but only on the weekend.
Treloar Bar & Grill (Treloar)
-  + Nice place to eat. Stopped after long day of riding. Friendly people who helped my uncle and I find lodging in nearby town.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:11 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:11 PM
Nice place to eat. Stopped after long day of riding. Friendly people who helped my uncle and I find lodging in nearby town.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:11 PM
Nice place to eat. Stopped after long day of riding. Friendly people who helped my uncle and I find lodging in nearby town.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
-  + Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:06 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:06 PM
Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:06 PM
Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!
Terry's Suds and Grub (Steedman)
-  + Had high hopes to stopping here for lunch, but they weren't open. Found out later down the trail that finding this place open is hit or miss. The Riverfrong Bar & Grill in Portland is a better bet f...
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:04 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:04 PM
Had high hopes to stopping here for lunch, but they weren't open. Found out later down the trail that finding this place open is hit or miss. The Riverfrong Bar & Grill in Portland is a better bet for being open.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:04 PM
Had high hopes to stopping here for lunch, but they weren't open. Found out later down the trail that finding this place open is hit or miss. The Riverfrong Bar & Grill in Portland is a better bet for being open.
Mokane Market (Mokane)
-  + Small town with nothing to really offer bikers. Market has small groceries, but no biking accessories. Don't recommend making this a primary stop.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:02 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:02 PM
Small town with nothing to really offer bikers. Market has small groceries, but no biking accessories. Don't recommend making this a primary stop.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:02 PM
Small town with nothing to really offer bikers. Market has small groceries, but no biking accessories. Don't recommend making this a primary stop.
Dotty's Cafe (Hartsburg)
-  + A nice 50's style dinner. Great place to eat if Hartsburg is one of your stops.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:57 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:57 PM
A nice 50's style dinner. Great place to eat if Hartsburg is one of your stops.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:57 PM
A nice 50's style dinner. Great place to eat if Hartsburg is one of your stops.
Hartsburg Inn (Hartsburg)
-  + Very accommodating. Called one hour before arriving. Room had tv, microfridge w/juice & yogurt, patio to cover bikes & plenty of space.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:55 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:55 PM
Very accommodating. Called one hour before arriving. Room had tv, microfridge w/juice & yogurt, patio to cover bikes & plenty of space.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:55 PM
Very accommodating. Called one hour before arriving. Room had tv, microfridge w/juice & yogurt, patio to cover bikes & plenty of space.
Riverside Diner (Boonville)
-  + Great stop for a meal. Located right on trail before you cross over the bridge in Boonville. Highly recommend.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:53 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:53 PM
Great stop for a meal. Located right on trail before you cross over the bridge in Boonville. Highly recommend.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:53 PM
Great stop for a meal. Located right on trail before you cross over the bridge in Boonville. Highly recommend.
Missouri State Fairgrounds (Sedalia)
-  + Camped out in a tent the first night of my ride. Had hot showers and running water. Not a bad deal for $7 a tent.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:51 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:51 PM
Camped out in a tent the first night of my ride. Had hot showers and running water. Not a bad deal for $7 a tent.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:51 PM
Camped out in a tent the first night of my ride. Had hot showers and running water. Not a bad deal for $7 a tent.
Country Kitchen (Sedalia)
-  + Ate breakfast after staying at state fair grounds. Somewhat off the trail, but easily accessable from trail through side roads.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:50 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:50 PM
Ate breakfast after staying at state fair grounds. Somewhat off the trail, but easily accessable from trail through side roads.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:50 PM
Ate breakfast after staying at state fair grounds. Somewhat off the trail, but easily accessable from trail through side roads.
Caseys General Store (Windsor)
-  + Have free air compressor for your bike tires. Filled up my water bottle for free. Very close to trail.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:48 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:48 PM
Have free air compressor for your bike tires. Filled up my water bottle for free. Very close to trail.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:48 PM
Have free air compressor for your bike tires. Filled up my water bottle for free. Very close to trail.
Clinton Mower & Saw Shop (Clinton)
-  + Very friendly people. Doesn't look like they carry bikes or biking accessories, but they do. I bought two tubes.
Discussion started 09/24/2006 07:47 PM by JD - 0 repliesJD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:47 PM
Very friendly people. Doesn't look like they carry bikes or biking accessories, but they do. I bought two tubes.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 07:47 PM
Very friendly people. Doesn't look like they carry bikes or biking accessories, but they do. I bought two tubes.
How come so many flats?
-  + Hmmm... There seems to be a lot of comments about multiple flat tires when riding the trail. What's causing these flats and why do some folks seem to get them but others not at all?
Discussion started 09/21/2006 01:56 PM by Wilson - 6 replies (last reply by Wilson at 09/24/2006 06:31 PM)Wilson from Santa Barbara on 09/21/2006 01:56 PM
Hmmm... There seems to be a lot of comments about multiple flat tires when riding the trail. What's causing these flats and why do some folks seem to get them but others not at all?
Xavier from Sunset Hills on 09/22/2006 09:24 AM
Great question. I have also read many comments about taking a spare and fix a flat. I was also wondering the same thing. Thanks for asking.
Anonymous on 09/22/2006 10:53 AM
Here is some good info about tires for the trail:
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/tires.asp
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 09/22/2006 11:14 AM
That is apparently one of the many mysteries of the Katy. We have ridden many miles, between Sedalia and Treloar, and have not had a flat tire one. Our bike tires are 26 x 1.95 and 700 x 28 (to 35)C…..nothing special……no super duper high dollar steel/Kevlar/kryptonite belted radials.
Although we have not had any flats, I carry a very small package of stick-on patches, a pump, and one spare tube of each size just in case. Traveling with more than that is overkill for us. Stick on patches are quick and easy to apply and do not require unreleasing a wheel to remove a tube. And…..yes they do work well when applied properly. If you don’t know what you’re doing….a patch of any kind or removing a wheel axle to slide a tube past won’t work well for you.
sbikes from Kansas City on 09/22/2006 10:07 PM
The Trail is out in the world of nature and there are sometimes sharp, pointy things in
nature. I ride tires about an inch wide that are Kevlar belted and haven't had many flats. But,
one of the flats I had was out in the middle of nowhere where I ran over this HUGE
thorn....another time I had a flat becuase of just a bad tube. In neither case would a patch kit
of helped...the thorn tear was too big and the bad tube split right close to the valve stem. If I
had not had spare tubes and a pump both times, I would have been walking. I have seen
folks along the Trail with flats because they are riding road bikes with road bike slicks. And,
sometimes, flats just happen. Better to be prepared with a spare tube ... unless you just
enjoy walking your bike...
Anonymous on 09/23/2006 09:56 AM
The vines that tend to crawl over the trail (have no idea of their name)do have thorns, so be careful and avoid riding over them if possible.
Wilson from Santa Barbara on 09/24/2006 06:31 PM
Wow, thanks for all the great advice and direction!
Any info on Hwy 13 between the Warrensburg Amtrak station and Clinton?
-  + Fellow Bikies,
We'd appreciate any info/comments regarding Hwy 13 between the Warrensburg Amtrak station and Clinton. The MO bikemap shows at least some shoulder on parts of it, but it would b...
Discussion started 09/23/2006 12:31 AM by Wilson - 3 replies (last reply by Wilson at 09/24/2006 06:28 PM)Wilson from Santa Barbara on 09/23/2006 12:31 AM
Fellow Bikies,
We'd appreciate any info/comments regarding Hwy 13 between the Warrensburg Amtrak station and Clinton. The MO bikemap shows at least some shoulder on parts of it, but it would be great to hear from folks who have first-hand knowledge.
Thanks,
Wilson Hubbell
savage24 from KC,MO on 09/23/2006 12:44 AM
Don't do it!
See this thread for an alternate route provided by my friend Barbara from Warrensburg:
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=101
sbikes from Kansas City on 09/23/2006 01:07 PM
Ditto what savage24 says. Traffic is fast, they aren't used to seeing bikes, no real shoulder to
speak of and last time I drove it (in the last few weeks) there was lots of construction, lane
closures, heavy equipment, etc.
Wilson from Santa Barbara on 09/24/2006 06:28 PM
Fellow Bikies,
Thanks for the advice and direction re: Hwy 13 between Warrensburg and Clinton. We've amended our plans so we can stay clear of it...
Wilson Hubbell
Glenn's Cafe at Boonville
-  + Glenn's Cafe, formerly in Columbia, is now open in Boonville! Great food and lots of it! The restaurant is located about 50 feet off the trail in the old Frederick Hotel at the foot of the Boonville B...
Discussion started 09/23/2006 11:58 PM by GC - 0 repliesGC from Columbia, Mo. on 09/23/2006 11:58 PM
Glenn's Cafe, formerly in Columbia, is now open in Boonville! Great food and lots of it! The restaurant is located about 50 feet off the trail in the old Frederick Hotel at the foot of the Boonville Bridge. It is somewhat upscale casual, but I would compare it favorably to any of the nicer restaurants along the trail.
Hopefully, there will be a listing under the Boonville section soon with all the details. Right now, I believe they are only open for dinner, and are closed on Sundays, but lunch can't be too far away. This is a big plus for Boonville! Now, if they can get the Frederick Hotel rooms finished, it will be a great overnight stop.
Can we do the KT with Road Bikes?
-  + My wife and I have been training for a century for Team in Training. We have been doing 40-60 miles at a time, but all on the road. We want to do the KT but reading some of the comments here, it app...
Discussion started 09/21/2006 08:08 AM by Jim - 3 replies (last reply by Damon at 09/23/2006 09:03 PM)Jim from STL City on 09/21/2006 08:08 AM
My wife and I have been training for a century for Team in Training. We have been doing 40-60 miles at a time, but all on the road. We want to do the KT but reading some of the comments here, it appears we may not want to attempt the trail from St. Charles to Hermann with road bikes. Can anyone recommend from experience what they would do in order to enjoy the trail on road bikes?
Austin from Longmont, CO on 09/21/2006 06:43 PM
You should be fine on the road bikes, some friends and I rode from Washington to Sedalia on our road bikes without any problems. We did use 700x25 tires though.
Jim Pearson from Lincoln, Nebraska on 09/22/2006 01:31 PM
Last year in September my wife and I did the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton. We used our road bikes with saddle bags and supplies for 5 days, this year on Oct l- 6th we are doing it again from Clinton to St. Charles. I would suggest mountain bikes, I had several flats because of the tires on the road bikes, also we did run into some soft trails by Boonville and regreted not having the mountain bikes. This year we are using mountain bikes, also we feel they are more stable with heavy saddle bags on both sides. Either way, the ride is great, the trail is the best and the sites are very enjoyable. Good luck.
Damon from Kansas City, Missouri on 09/23/2006 09:03 PM
Hello Jim, a couple of friends any myself did a 175 mile ride and we were all using roadies. Besided 1 flat tire it worked out extremely well. I would suggest getting a good pair of Thorn Resistant tubes like the Slime tubes and running nothing smaller than a 700x25 tire which is what we were all using. It even rained almost the entire first day of our ride and we had no problems with the skinny slicks. I always hear people talk on here like they sink to their hubs or something crazy like that on the trail but I can tell you from an all day slow soaking rain, we didn't experience anything like that. I had a seatpost rack with a big trunk bag ontop of it and a friend of mine had full paniers completely loaded on his. Yes the bikes seem more unstable with that weight on the rear compared to that set-up on a heavy mtn bike frame, but it never posed a problem. I would definately recommend using your roadies for the trail, espcially if you are like me and just find yourself more comfortable on it. Then if you decide to bike off the trail in the towns and such, you have the perfect set-up to do so. We bikes all over the town of Hermann and New Franklin and rididng those miles on the road just looking around was really nice to have our roadies. Hope this was helpful and enjoy your ride!!
Rooms still available at the new 1857 Inn
-  + Bikers - we still have rooms available for 2006. We have 2 Luxury Suites with a private entrance. Each room has a queen bed and sofa sleeper, private bath with shower for two. Kitchen area includes ...
Discussion started 09/22/2006 12:03 PM by 1857 Inn - 0 replies1857 Inn from Augusta, Missouri on 09/22/2006 12:03 PM
Bikers - we still have rooms available for 2006. We have 2 Luxury Suites with a private entrance. Each room has a queen bed and sofa sleeper, private bath with shower for two. Kitchen area includes a small refridgator, wine cooler, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and best of all a washer and dryer. Ask about the Katy Trail Special which includes room and continental breakfast. Enjoy the trail and Augusta at the 1857 Inn. For more information please call 636-228-4234.